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Diabetes risk factors

About 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. It can come on slowly, usually over the age of 40. The signs may not be obvious, or there may be no signs at all, therefore it might be up to 10 years before you find out you have it.

That’s why it’s very important to know the risk factors. You can find out your risk with our Know Your Risk tool or you may be eligible for a free NHS Health Check, so you can do something about it.

Your risk increases with age.You’re more at risk if you’re white and over 40 or over 25 if you’re African-Caribbean, Black African, or South Asian.

You’re two to six times more likely to get Type 2 diabetes if you have a parent, brother, sister or child with diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is two to four times more likely in people of South Asian descent and African-Caribbean or Black African descent.

You’re more at risk if you’ve ever had high blood pressure.

You’re more at risk of Type 2 diabetes if you’re overweight, especially if you’re large around the middle.

Gestational diabetes

If you have gestational diabetes it is important to have your blood glucose levels tested regularly after as you have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Arrange a blood glucose test at your six week postnatal check and annually with your GP surgery. Also look out for any symptoms of diabetes.

If you are planning a pregnancy try this Planning for Pregnancy tool created by Tommy’s – a charity dedicated to making pregnancy safer. It'll help you learn what you need to know.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS is a condition that affects your ovaries. Ovaries are part of the female reproductive system that store and release eggs ready to be fertilised. Each egg develops in a small fluid filled swelling called a follicle before it is released by the ovary. In PCOS, several follicles can develop but none of these become an egg that can be fertilised. These follicles can become cysts.

Women who have PCOS are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. PCOS is associated with insulin resistance and therefore higher levels of insulin circulating in the blood.

Women with PCOS should be offered an oral glucose tolerance test on diagnosis, as recommended by NICE. If found to have impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, this test should be repeated annually.

Mental health conditions

Certain mental health conditions are also a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, these include:

schizophrenia

bipolar disorder

depression

If you are receiving treatment with antipsychotic medication this can also increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes, but the risk is quite low. It is important that you continue to take any prescribed medication as it will help to manage your condition. Talk to your GP or a member of your health care team if you are concerned about potential side effects. You can also contact our helpline.

Some of these medications can also cause you to gain weight, so taking steps to manage your weight is important and everyone can benefit from eating well and moving more.

Sedentary lifestyle

If you spend long periods of time sitting, (this does not include sleeping) this is known as a ‘sedentary’ lifestyle. Being sedentary is associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.

It is important to remember that even if you do the recommended amount of exercise per week you can still have a sedentary lifestyle. This is because being sedentary is different to being physically inactive. Being ‘physically inactive’ means not doing enough physical activity. Being ‘sedentary’ means sitting or lying down for long periods.

Examples of a sedentary behaviours include:

Working at a desk for long periods without standing up

Sitting down while studying at school or home

Sitting or lying down while watching television or playing video games.

Sitting while driving a vehicle, or while travelling

You should try to break periods of sitting as often as possible, by doing some light activity such as walking. If you sit at a desk or screen all day try some chair based exercises. Also aim to build light activity in to your day, here’s some ideas:

Go and speak to colleagues instead of sending an email

Take regular breaks to get a glass of water

Have walking meetings

Walk part of your journey or park a bit further from the building

Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol is associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. Current guidelines recommend not regularly drinking more than 14 units per week and that these units should be spread evenly over 3-4 days.

Drinking heavily on one or two days per week will also increase the risk of other health conditions such as certain types of cancer. Evidence seems to show people who drink in moderation have the lowest risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Sleep

If you have disturbed sleep this can be associated with an increased the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Not getting enough sleep, or sleeping for too long have been associated with an increased risk. Many things can affect how long and how well we sleep, some tips for a good night sleep can be found here.

Are you eligible for an NHS Health Check?

Whether you have any other risk factors or not, if you’re over 40 your risk of Type 2 diabetes and other conditions is higher. If you're aged 40 to 74 and living in England you may be eligible for a free NHS Health Check.

It's a great way to check your health and get personalised advice on keeping yourself healthy and active.

Find out more about the health check on the NHS website, or talk to your GP for more information.

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Know your risk tool

Use our free online tool to find out your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. It only takes 3 minutes.